Gun Review: Tisas USA PX-9 Gen 3 Tactical Threaded Pistol

By
Graham Baates
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34

Tisas USA PX-9 Gen3 Tactical Threaded reviewAt the beginning of 2022 we had an opportunity to check out Tisas USA’s 3rd generation of the PX-9 pistol. The 2nd generation was a good gun, but our sample had some quirks that prevented it from really shining. The 3rd generation model included a lot of upgrades both functionally and aesthetically and stands out as probably the highest value offering of the year.

Tisas USA PX-9 Gen3 Tactical Threaded review
It’s nice that now even affordable pistols are including memory points/traction for support thumb and trigger finger along the frame.

Over on the GBGuns YouTube channel we reviewed the more-compact “duty” model, but now that we have the 5.1-inch barrel “tactical” model with a threaded barrel, it’s time to show the TTAG crowd.

If you’re new to the PX-9 model line this one’s got just about everything you could ask for:

  • Optics ready (RMR cut)

  • Threaded Barrel

  • Fiber-Optic front sight

  • Included flared magazine well

  • 27 different possible grip configurations

  • Spare fiber-optic tubes included

  • Bore brush and cleaning rod included.

  • 1 18-round and 1 20-round MecGar magazine

  • Minimalist IWB holster included

  • Magazine loader included (but we found it not needed as even the 20-round MecGar magazine was easy to load.

You can get a closer look at the design, fit, finish, and features in the tabletop video below . . .

To say the term “tactical” is overused in the firearms industry is something of an understatement. Google’s dictionary defines the word as, ” showing adroit planning; aiming at an end beyond the immediate action.” By that definition, adding “tactical” to the name of the Tisas USA PX-9 isn’t out of place.

This pistol’s features makes it ready or adaptable to a wide range of uses, and with 27 possible grip configurations it’s ready for just about anyone’s hand. Dropping it on the US market for around $400 is a, well, tactical strike by Tisas on the status quo with the potential to either force the competition to adjust, or watch sales slip as consumers choose more gun for less money.

Tisas USA PX-9 Gen3 Tactical Threaded review
With three sizes of backstraps and three sizes of side panels per side, there are 27 different ways you can configure the grip of the Tisas USA PX-9 Gen 3 Tactical TH

Of course none of these features are worth a penny if the gun doesn’t run so we hit the range with two shooters and filmed our very first shots, a full magazine +1 test of the magazine ammunition compatibility with twelve different loads (including our crowd favorite, the What’s For Dinner™ test), a practical exercise of sights and trigger control practical accuracy, and then concluding thoughts from both shooters.

Unscripted, unedited, raw footage is in the video below . . .

The Tisas USA PX-9 was, by far, the least-expensive of the three guns we tested that day. It was also the only one to make it through the What’s For Dinner™ Test without an issue.

Based on our experience with the PX-9 Gen 3 Duty model we didn’t bother to change the backstrap or side panels since the as-is grip works well enough for both shooters to be comfortable and have a good reach at the controls.

Tisas USA PX-9 Gen3 Tactical Threaded review
Striker indicator, optics ready, serrated and blacked-out rear sight with a fiber-optic front sight. The Tisas USA PX-9 Gen 3 Tactical TH is feature-packed.

Once we got the gun back home and I began to play with the grip panels I did find one flaw. A bit of flashing from a side panel molding prevented the panel from being installed. It required a couple seconds to trim the flashing for the panel to fit. Adding that much effort to make a $400 pistol flawless is totally acceptable in my book.

Where else can you get a 5-inch+ threaded barrel, optics-ready pistol that shoots as nicely at a price even close to that? The Tisas USA PX-9 Gen 3 is one heck of a value. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see prices rise as popularity grows.

Yes, there is still the xenophobic angle that can be used to criticize this pistol and you’re welcome to leave such comments, but only if you can do it using a device that’s entirely made in the USA. 😉

Specifications: Tisas PX-9 GEN3 Tactical Threaded Pistol

Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action: Striker-fired
Frame: Polymer w/ Integrated M1913 Rail
Barrel: 5.1″ Hammer Forged, Threaded 1/2″x28 TPI
Slide: RMR Optic Cut
Capacity: 18+1 (ships with 18-round and 20-round magazines
Sights: Fixed Rear w/ Fiber Optic Front (Glock 9/40Cut)
MSRP: $579.95 (about $400 retail)

Ratings (out of five stars):

Reliability * * * * *
Zero issues experienced with any of the twelve loads tested. The two included MecGar magazines were easy to load and performed flawlessly.

Ergonomics * * * * *
With 27 different possible grip configurations, the PX-9 Gen 3 will fit most any hand. Grip texture is mild at best, but with a full-length stock the user gets to use their whole hand to grip.

Accuracy * * * * *
The long sight radius makes shooting accurately easy. I have no doubt mechanical accuracy exceeds the capability of most shooters.

Concealability * * *  
This is a large pistol to carry. I’m sure the “I carry a GLOCK 34 under a T-shirt” crowd will disagree, but concealment was likely not the goal of Tisas in making this gun. It’s better suited as a duty/range/home defense pistol.

Overall: * * * * 1/2
Tisas USA is once again offering a lot of gun for the money. The PX-9 Gen 3 Tactical Threaded Pistol is comfortable to shoot, accurate, eats anything you feed it, and easy to master. Unless you’re looking for a pocket gun, this pistol is a very wise buy.

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34 COMMENTS

  1. Tisas makes ggod firearms. I bought a 1911 in .45 and the quality stunned me for what I payed. Tightest 1911 I own. Zero rattle. Finish inside and out was flawless. Only small issue was it seems to prefer the mecgar mags it came with as Wilsons and Chips nosedive the rounds. Very happy with the MFG….

      • Said Minimalist IWB holster included…Somewhat Sar9ish like the case and grip panels. Has a nice looking trigger which has room for a plug, no external Safety like a previous model. Video shows lower has beefy forward guide rails, polymer rear guide rails, both non width spreadable as opposed to the jig spreadable Sar9 chassis rails.
        Overall the Tisas sounds like a good value out of the box performer.

  5. A Turkish glock. I hate how ugly all these pistols are, my safes have plenty of ugly very functional polymer pistols. A few weeks ago someone was showing me some polymer Tisa they bought. Maybe it was even this one, I wasn’t at all interested enough to pay attention. I can’t get interested in a polymer.

    But if your safe has room, this seems like a decent one with a lot of features.

  6. I’m glad I saw this Tisas video. PX9 appears to be a well thought out pistol with great ‘extras” and dependable. Would love to shoot one myself

  7. FWIW author left out weight of firearm..which is nice to know…..
    Also…”Yes, there is still the xenophobic angle that can be used to criticize this pistol …”

    “Xenophobic” is what the X in PX-9 stands for…C’mon man!……LOL

  8. BREAKING. 2 police officers shot and killed in Queensland. Another officer wounded. 4th managed to escape. 3 perpetrators killed by police. The three were 2 brothers and the wife of one of the brothers. One of the brothers was a conspiracy theorist.

    Rest assured, there will be consequences. Collective punishment through regulation change is pending.

    • Saw that earlier. Newsies are claiming it was a probable ambush, and the officers who put them down were “specially trained shooters”, which I take as similar to our SWAT, correct?

      As far as the collective punishment comment, I’ll repeat what I said a few minutes ago, become ungovernable.

      • There are reports the perps were “sovereign citizen” types.

        SWAT or equivalent were mentioned ending the siege.

  11. I tend to believe Miguel Cervantes’ when he gives his opinion on the Turks. Liars and thieves. One day China is going to bust out a cheap handgun that isn’t a total piece of shit and I won’t buy that one either.

    • haha, not romani level, but they can pass as gypsies.
      if you squint a little tisas almost rhymes with feces.
      well, closer than taxes and facts is.

  14. Fortunately I have the choice of not having a firearm with the words “ Made In Turkey” sit in my safe. Thanks anyway GB.

  15. I take exception to the author’s characterization of people who criticize Turkey as xenophobic. While some folks who don’t support the Turkish economy are indeed xenophobic, others such as myself simply don’t want to support oppressive regimes, even indirectly through commerce. I never had a problem purchasing Turkish goods prior to Erdogan’s rule, and I would not have a problem purchasing them if Turkey returned to secular democratic rule. But for now, they are not getting my money.
    I also take exception to the author’s statement that “You’re welcome to leave such comments, but only if you can do it using a device that’s entirely made in the USA.” I’m welcome to leave any comment I damned well please as long as i conform to the the basic rules of civility and the specific rules TTAG enforces. I have no problem buying German guns, Czech guns, or American guns, and if I choose to compare any of them favorably to this Turkish pistol, then I have that right.
    While this Turkish pistol does deliver lots of value for $400, I’m willing to spend a little more for something not Made in Turkey, even if this Turkish pistol was the best gun in the world. There are lots of non-Turkish pistols that are good enough.

      • That’s a fair cop. I once worked for a company that tried to make an “All American” electronic product. Even after they simplified the requirements they just couldn’t do it.
        It’s also worth noting that computers have many small complex components in them, some from democracies like Korea and Taiwan, and yes, others from the PRC. It’s really tough to get a computer that is 100% PRC free, but bipartisan efforts to encourage domestic electronics manufacturing are a step in the right direction.
        This pistol, and many other firearms, are different. It is 100% Turkish, and it is very easy for me to get a firearm that has no Turkish, PRC, Bellorussian, or Russian components that is perfectly serviceable. So I stand by my boycott of all things Turkish, except for Turkish coffee made elsewhere. (java java java java…)

        • In my various travels I’ve managed to spend some time in Armenia. (And yes, my interactions with Armenians colors my opinion of the Turks and Azerturks.) Anyway, they drink more than their fair share of turkish coffee. They also call it “Eastern coffee” to avoid speaking the devil’s name. So drink your coffee and don’t feel bad, even people who have legitimate reasons to fear and hate the Turks have found a workaround.

  16. Trigger? I know it comes with one but it looks like a trigger within a trigger (?) Pull weight and is it crisp, mushy or in between? Inquiring minds…

  17. Accuracy * * * * *
    The long sight radius makes shooting accurately easy. I have no doubt mechanical accuracy exceeds the capability of most shooters.

    So that’s the criteria to getting best possible rating for accuracy these days? I guess I am old fashioned and like seeing accuracy testing done off a rest at 75 feet with a few different types of ammo than to rely on exceeding what is capability of most shooters what ever that is.

  18. I bought one after learning it was an XD clone (so a clone of a clone?). I liked the features of the PX-9 over the XD – e.g. sights, no grip-safety. The price was nice and it’s run like a champ. I’ve put 300-400 roungs of various 9mm through it and it ate everything. It’s a natural pointer, the sights are easy to find, it’s got great ergos for my XL hands, and it’s easy to clean. I do like the trigger. I am partial to Glock triggers – I know, heresy – and I found it really easy to adjust to the break and reset of the PX-9 trigger. Overall, I highly recommend it. I carry mine in a Don Hume JIT holsters for an XD-9 and it works great. Better yet, SDS is based in Knoxville, where I have family.

  19. For me, I don’t care about politics. I care about value and reliability. Turkey has been turning out lots of firearms that meet my requirements very well. This one is no different. When you can buy a quality pistol for under $200 other than a Hi-Point, I’ll give it a nice long look.

  20. I bought a non-tactical NightStalker model for $269.99. The ergonomics are fantastic. My hand kind of melts right into the grip without the abrasive sand paper texture some pistols have. The Glock style factory night sight is excellent. The lower receiver actually feels like a very dense kraton material rather than plastic. The 4.5 lb flat faced trigger with short, crisp reset is nice. It just feels like quality in the hand. I compare it favorably against my FNX-9 which I also love. The value considering the nice hard case, foam cut liners, and included accessories make it hard to pass up. Even if I didn’t like it as much as I do, it is worth the price. YMMV

  21. XD’s and clones are less than professional grade, so I’d pass on this option.
    RE:Turkey and Xenophobia – why use Xenophobia to not buy an arm from a country that’s Xenophobic about Israel? See what I did there?
    Hypocrisy… is that a fact however? How do we distinguish between individual Turks who are friends of the West/freedom vs Friends of tyranny?
    The Turks do make good guns at great prices. CZ-75 clones are very good.
    Probably not all Turks are oppressive dictators or support dictators. Turkey does tend to imprison Christian’s however, and doesn’t get along great with others who don’t share a certain religion.
    They are however a NATO member and a critical “frenemny”.
    I’d hate to fund an invasion or war against Israel however. So, it maybe good to know what Turkish gun companies are pro-western, and friendly towards Israel and Christians. That may help make a purchasing decision more justifiable.
    How can we reject the dictatorship, and at the same time engage and encourage to people to take a more pro-western, pro-liberty stance that recognizes civil liberties like freedom of speech and religion, etc.? It’s good not to alienate the entire population which may lead to greater polarization.
    Merry Christmas.

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